190e, hit/run while parked, steering column? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mikeohart · #1 03-08-2009, 07:33 PM

Lucky enough to bike ride to and from work the last few years and my car sits, usually peacefully, until this week.

It's a 2 way street with more parking problems now because of a condo development a couple blocks away. Somebody doing a three point turn turning around; high impact, probably a sport ute.

Trying to start it to continue working on my idle problem and the tumble wont turn, without playing with it and using key #2. Didn't have this problem before so I was wondering if the impact could have caused damage to the steering column? Everything I've read says hurry up and change the lock/tumbler but maybe this is more severe?

So angry. Of course I have comp only, and I thought I was covered if struck while parked but I think not, only if struck with a flood. No collision, canceled a couple years ago.

pawoSD · #2 03-08-2009, 09:42 PM

Its possible that the force made the wheels turn and forced the steering wheel against the lock, damaging or jamming it....can you move the wheel at all back and forth when you try to turn the key? Try to move the wheel back and forth a little till there's some free play....

mikeohart · #3 03-08-2009, 10:51 PM

When I was able to start the car after fidgeting with key #2, the steering seemed normal. Turning the key back to 0 and starting again it would stick. I also jacked up the front thinking there was some pressure to be released, no luck. Just seems strange that the tumbler would be going now, after this impact, with no signs before. Thanks for the response.

Hirnbeiss · #4 03-09-2009, 06:28 AM

it could also be that the impact moved the steering enough to break the ever-so-delicate Huf tumbler.
On the bright side, it looks like it's only the fender. If you ask around enough, you may find a body shop to cut you a reasonable deal since it's not under insurance. You may also be able to find a used fender.

pentoman · #5 03-09-2009, 05:07 PM

Fenders bolt on with no welding. The only hard bit will be removing the cladding on the lower part of your door there to get to the bottom most bolt. But that isn't hard either.

tinypanzer · #6 03-09-2009, 09:41 PM

Put a camera out there. They're wireless and cheap now. Chances are the arschficker lives across the street and you will catch them backing out again. Once you have some suspect vehicles, some measurement and close paint inspection will identify the culprick.

-tp